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Our planet is under strain, however there is hope. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage people to take action.

The medal will be given in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who passed away recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that champion life on Earth.

Award Details

The inaugural winners will be revealed at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. And I think due to the very special bond she shared with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge enduring projects undertaken to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established a decade past,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure stated, “Frankly, it’s very hard to be optimistic. The current political climate in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. So this significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't particularly bright so we have to really start thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not just global warming, but also the whole way that we treat our environment.”

A Call to Action

As a result, it was noted it was a good time to honor Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat the other animals around us.”

Another key issue currently was highlighted of disinformation. The central topic of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth has become a matter of debate where political interests is involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that the medal can motivate concrete steps. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to engage and to show concern and to strive in that direction, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must focus on working the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work shared optimism that “given direction and when empowered, humanity are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the work of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, assists young people become engaged locally, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly told everyone, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness about constructive efforts currently in progress.”